If you’re planning a spring trip to Cancún, it’s smart to know what kind of weather you’ll get before you start packing. Spring in Cancún means warm temperatures, rising humidity, and a shift from mostly dry skies in March to wetter conditions by late May. Early spring feels comfortable, but as summer approaches, things get more tropical.
Daytime highs usually land in the low to upper 80s °F, and evenings stay mild in the 70s °F. Skies are clearer in early spring, but clouds and rain chances creep up as the weeks go by.
The Caribbean waters warm up steadily, so swimming and water activities become even more inviting.
Knowing how the weather shifts through spring helps you plan the best times for Cancún’s beaches, cultural spots, and nearby adventures. With a little timing, you can catch sunny days, mild evenings, and dodge most weather surprises while exploring the area.
Overview of Spring Weather in Cancun
Spring in Cancún means the days get warmer, humidity climbs, and rainfall picks up as the season moves along. You’ll notice longer daylight, gentler winds, and warmer sea temperatures, all of which shape how you’ll feel outside or at the beach.
Typical Spring Temperatures
Cancún’s daytime temps rise from around 82°F (28°C) in early March to about 88°F (31°C) by late May. Nights warm up, too, with lows moving from 69°F (21°C) to almost 77°F (25°C).
It rarely drops below 60°F (16°C), so you won’t need anything heavy. Go for lightweight, breathable fabrics instead.
Spring feels warmer and stickier compared to winter. By May, it can feel almost like midsummer, especially in the afternoons.
The weather station at Cancún International Airport keeps these averages pretty steady year after year, so you can count on them as a solid guide.
Rainfall and Humidity Patterns
Rainfall jumps as spring rolls on. In March, you’ll see about 1.4 inches (36 mm) of rain for the month, but by late May, that number climbs to over 4.5 inches (115 mm). Showers usually don’t last long, but they can be intense.
The odds of a rainy day go from 16% in early March to more than 35% by the end of May. You’ll notice this uptick more in the later weeks.
Humidity gets higher, too. Early spring days already feel muggy about 70% of the time, and by late May, just about every day feels humid. That stickiness can make the air feel even warmer.
If humidity bothers you, try to plan outside activities for the morning or evening when it’s a bit more comfortable.
Sunshine Hours and Daylight
Daylight stretches out as spring goes on. In early March, you get about 11 hours and 45 minutes of daylight, and by late May, it’s over 13 hours.
Sunrise comes earlier, from about 7:07 AM in March to 6:05 AM in late May. Sunset shifts from 6:51 PM to around 7:25 PM.
Even with more clouds later in spring, Cancún still gets plenty of strong sunshine. UV levels stay high, so don’t forget sun protection.
Longer days mean more time for the beach, excursions, and water sports. But midday can feel intense with the sun and humidity, so pace yourself.
Wind and Sea Conditions
Average wind speeds drop a bit during spring, from about 9 mph in March to 8 mph in May. Breezes mostly come from the east, giving you some relief from the heat.
The Caribbean Sea warms up, with surface temps rising from 79°F (26°C) in March to about 82°F (28°C) in May. Swimming and snorkeling feel great with these temps.
Calmer winds and warmer seas mean fewer rough water days than in winter. Afternoon showers can still churn up the surf for a bit, though.
If you want the best water conditions, mornings are usually your friend. By late spring, humidity and rain might reduce visibility for diving, so keep that in mind.
Month-by-Month Spring Weather Breakdown
Spring in Cancún brings warm air, rising sea temps, and mostly sunny days. Rain stays low at first but picks up by late May, and daylight keeps stretching as summer gets close.
March Climate Details
March in Cancún usually offers some of the most pleasant weather all year. Daytime highs average 28°C (82°F), and nights cool to about 23°C (73°F). Humidity is there, but it’s not too much, so it’s easier to enjoy being outside.
Rain barely shows up in March. Expect only about 2 rainy days and less than 30 mm of precipitation. Sunshine rules, with around 11 sunny days and daylight running from 11.7 to 12.3 hours.
The sea averages 26.5°C (80°F), which is plenty warm for swimming and snorkeling—no wetsuit needed. Winds stay light to moderate, enough to keep things from feeling too hot.
March is also peak travel season, so beaches and nightlife spots fill up fast. If you want things quieter, try heading out earlier in the day.
April Climate Details
April gets a bit hotter than March. Daytime highs reach about 29°C (84°F), and nights dip to around 24°C (75°F). The air feels a bit more humid, but breezes from the Caribbean help out.
Rainfall stays low, with 2 rainy days and just over 30 mm of rain. You’ll see more sunshine, with about 15 clear days and daylight from 12.4 to 12.9 hours.
The sea warms to 27°C (81°F), ideal for swimming, diving, or water sports. Water visibility is usually excellent, so it’s a great month for snorkeling.
Crowds are still around, but not as packed as in March. You might find it easier to enjoy the beaches and attractions with a little more breathing room.
May Climate Details
May signals the start of Cancún’s wetter season. Daytime highs hit around 30°C (86°F), and nights hover near 25°C (77°F). Humidity rises, so the air feels heavier than before.
Rain picks up, with about 5 rainy days and close to 90 mm of precipitation. Showers don’t last long, but they can be intense. Sunshine still wins out, with about 14 clear days and daylight from 12.9 to 13.3 hours.
The Caribbean Sea hits an average of 28°C (82°F), so the water feels super warm for swimming and boating. Beach conditions stay good, but you’ll want to be ready for sudden rain.
May is less crowded than March or April, so you get more space on the sand. The higher humidity and rain mean you’ll want to plan for both sun and showers during your trip.
Spring Travel Tips for Cancun Visitors
Spring in Cancun brings warm temps, higher humidity, and longer days. With a little prep, you can really enjoy the beaches, cenotes, and tours. Pay attention to clothing, timing, and sun protection for a more comfortable, safer trip.
What to Pack for Spring
Bring light, breathable clothes since highs often reach the mid to upper 80s °F. Cotton or linen shirts, shorts, and sundresses are all good picks. Evenings stay warm, so you can skip heavy layers.
Toss in a light rain jacket or travel umbrella. Rain chances go up from March to May, so showers are more likely later in spring. A waterproof day bag comes in handy for boat trips or sudden downpours.
Pack comfy sandals for the beach and sturdy shoes for exploring ruins or cenotes. Don’t forget a wide-brimmed hat, UV sunglasses, and reef-safe sunscreen.
If you’re planning water activities, a rash guard helps protect against sunburn. You can rent snorkel gear, but bringing your own mask usually fits better.
Best Times of Day for Activities
Mornings are the best time for outdoor activities. Temps are cooler, humidity is lower, and clouds are lighter. Early hours work great for checking out Mayan ruins like Chichen Itza or Tulum.
Afternoons get muggy, especially by May, and rain is more likely. That’s a good time for shaded stuff like museums, shopping, or just relaxing inside.
Late afternoons and evenings are nice for beach walks, outdoor dining, or sampling Cancun’s nightlife. Sunset usually falls between 6:30 PM and 7:30 PM, so you get plenty of daylight for evening plans.
If you’re flying into Cancun International Airport, consider morning or evening transfers when traffic and heat are easier to handle.
Staying Safe in the Sun
The UV index in Cancun stays high in spring, even when it’s cloudy. Use broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) every couple of hours, especially after a swim.
Find shade during midday, roughly 11 AM to 3 PM, when the sun’s at its strongest. Most resorts and beaches have shaded palapas or umbrellas.
Drink plenty of water all day. If you’re outside a lot, mix in some electrolyte drinks to stay balanced.
Wear protective clothing like long-sleeve UPF shirts and hats if you’re spending a lot of time in direct sun. That’ll help you avoid heat exhaustion and sunburn.
Seasonal Events and Activities in Spring
Spring in Cancun is a mix of lively festivals, outdoor fun, and cultural exploring. You can get into high-energy beach parties, chill days on the water, or trips to ancient ruins, all with warm weather and longer daylight hours.
Spring Break and Local Festivals
March and early April are Cancun’s busiest party season. College students flood in for Spring Break, filling beaches, clubs, and hotels with music and events. If you love nightlife and big crowds, this is when the city is buzzing.
You can also find local festivals that celebrate Mexican traditions. Expect food fairs, live performances, and parties tied to regional holidays. These are smaller than the Spring Break crowds but give you a closer look at local culture.
It helps to plan your visit around what you like. Want nightlife? Stay near the Hotel Zone. If you’d rather keep it chill, look at resorts in Playa Mujeres or Isla Mujeres for a quieter vibe, but still close to Cancun.
Outdoor and Water Activities
Warm spring temperatures and mostly dry weather make outdoor adventures super popular. Snorkeling and scuba diving are fantastic, with clear waters around Isla Mujeres and the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef. You’ll see tropical fish, coral, and sometimes sea turtles.
Beach conditions are great, too. Highs in the mid-80s °F let you stay out swimming or sunbathing for hours without feeling roasted. Water temps rise from about 79°F to 82°F, which feels just right.
If you want land-based adventure, cenote swimming and jungle tours are awesome. These natural sinkholes have cool freshwater pools, and most are a short drive from Cancun. Guided tours often mix in zip-lining or ATV rides, so you get both chill time and a little adrenaline.
Exploring Mayan Ruins
Spring is one of the best seasons for checking out Mayan ruins near Cancun. The weather is warm but not blazing hot, so wandering big archaeological sites is much easier.
Chichen Itza, about 2.5 hours away, is the most famous spot and draws big crowds. The spring equinox is a highlight, when sunlight creates a cool shadow effect on the pyramid of El Castillo. If you want something less crowded, try Ek Balam or Coba, where you can still climb ancient structures.
You can also do shorter trips to ruins closer to Cancun, like El Rey or San Miguelito. These smaller sites give you a taste of Mayan history without leaving the city. Pair a morning visit with an afternoon at the beach or a ferry ride to Isla Mujeres for a nice mix of culture and relaxation.
Popular Destinations Near Cancun in Spring
Spring brings warm weather and longer daylight hours, so it’s a great season to check out nearby islands and historic landmarks. You’ll find short ferry rides to coastal spots, or you can head inland to ancient sites that really show off the history of the Yucatán Peninsula.
Day Trips to Isla Mujeres
Isla Mujeres sits just a quick ferry ride from Cancun, about 20 minutes across the water. People love the island for its calm beaches, especially Playa Norte, where the shallow water makes swimming easy and pretty relaxing.
Renting a golf cart lets you explore the island on your own schedule. Punta Sur is a favorite stop, with its dramatic cliffs, a lighthouse, and even a small Mayan temple dedicated to the goddess Ixchel.
Snorkeling stands out here. The water around Isla Mujeres is super clear, and you’ll spot coral reefs and lots of colorful fish. For something different, check out the Underwater Museum of Art (MUSA), where submerged sculptures actually help support marine life.
Spring temperatures stay mild, and there’s less humidity than in summer, so being outside just feels more pleasant. Ferries run often, so you don’t really have to rush your day trip.
Visiting Chichen Itza and Other Mayan Sites
When you visit Chichen Itza, you get to see one of Mexico’s most important Mayan ruins. The site sits about 2.5 hours from Cancun by car or tour bus. The main pyramid, El Castillo, shows off the Maya’s impressive knowledge of astronomy and architecture.
Spring makes wandering the big site a lot easier, since it’s warm but not scorching like midsummer. Don’t forget water, sunscreen, and a hat—shade is pretty limited out there.
Nearby ruins like Ek Balam and Coba deserve a visit too. At Coba, you can still climb the main pyramid and get some awesome views of the jungle. Many tours mix these ruins with cenotes, so you can cool off with a swim in fresh water.
Practical Considerations for Spring Travelers
Most travelers pay a lot of attention to the weather in Cancún, but don’t overlook practical stuff like airport access and where you’ll stay. Flight logistics and booking strategies can really shape your trip, especially since spring has both busy times and quieter weeks.
Getting to Cancun International Airport
Cancún International Airport (CUN) serves as the main gateway for most visitors. It’s about 20 kilometers from the Hotel Zone, and the drive usually takes 25 to 35 minutes, depending on traffic.
You’ve got a few options for getting to your hotel:
- Shared shuttle vans: These are budget-friendly, but you’ll stop at several hotels along the way.
- Private transfers: Direct service, usually booked online ahead of time.
- Taxis: Easy to find, but they cost more than prearranged rides.
- Car rentals: Handy if you plan to explore outside Cancún.
Spring brings steady passenger traffic, especially in March and April when spring break crowds show up. Lines at immigration and customs can get long, so give yourself extra time. If you land late in the evening, you might notice fewer ground transport options, so booking ahead can save you some hassle.
Accommodation and Booking Advice
Cancún has all sorts of places to stay, from those massive all-inclusive resorts in the Hotel Zone to smaller, more personal boutique hotels downtown. In spring, you’ll notice that demand really depends on the month.
March and early April? Those are the busiest, so prices shoot up. By May, things calm down, rates drop, and you won’t have to fight the crowds as much.
If you want to visit during the busy weeks, you should book early. Resorts often ask for deposits months ahead, and honestly, last-minute deals just don’t pop up during spring break.
Thinking about a quieter trip? Try staying outside the Hotel Zone, maybe in Puerto Morelos or Playa Mujeres. You’ll still be close to Cancún, but it feels way more relaxed.
Check if your booking covers airport transfers. It sounds small, but it can actually save you both time and money.